Send these legislative stars back to Austin

There are stars in Tarrant County’s legislative delegation who not only have represented the views and address the needs of their constituents but also have effectively taken on leadership roles and passed significant legislation with statewide impact.

Others see the Legislature solely as an ideological battleground, have failed to work with their colleagues toward a common good, have been less effective and will probably never reach major achievements.

Fortunately, those who are good at it are recognized by voters and are re-elected. Unfortunately, because legislative district boundaries are drawn to re-elect the party in power and because it is very difficult to defeat an incumbent, not-so-good lawmakers also return to office in term after term.

The Star-Telegram Editorial Board urges voters to send these candidates back to Austin for another term:

Senate District 12, Republican Jane Nelson — The chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Nelson is a 24-year legislative veteran and one of the most powerful members of the Senate.

House District 95, Democrat Nicole Collier — Elected in 2012, Collier represents downtown Fort Worth, areas south and east of downtown and the cities of Forest Hill and Everman. She passed bills last year on low-income housing tax credits and changes to certain transportation authorities.

House District 97, Republican Craig Goldman — Tea Party and conservative Republicans elected Goldman in 2012. He has been effective in communicating and working with members from all parties, served as vice chairman of the Elections Committee and fought unneeded regulations.

House District 98, Republican Giovanni Capriglione — Representing Keller, Colleyville, Grapevine and other areas of Northeast Tarrant County, Capriglione has served two terms. He passed a major bill last session establishing a state bullion depository.

House District 99, Republican Charlie Geren — A key figure in the leadership team of House Speaker Joe Straus, Geren is chairman of the House Administration Committee and a member of the Calendars Committee. He has served in the House since 2001.

House District 101, Democrat Chris Turner — Democratic activist Turner has served two terms representing areas of Arlington and Grand Prairie. He has passed legislation on consumer protections and assisting veterans and their families.